Thu Sep 19 14:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Union Cabinet Approves Simultaneous Elections: A Step Towards Development and Financial Savings

**New Delhi:** The Union Cabinet’s approval of simultaneous elections has been welcomed as a “commendable move” by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy. The decision, he says, will not only save significant expenditure and improve productivity but also level the playing field for regional parties.

The move comes after years of continuous elections across the country, leading to disruptions in development work due to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). This policy paralysis, along with voter fatigue and the burden on manpower deployed during election time, has been a major concern.

Reddy highlighted that conducting separate elections has placed a substantial financial burden on the exchequer, with the costs for Parliament and State Assembly elections exceeding Rs 4,500 crore. He also pointed out the economic benefits of simultaneous elections, citing the findings of the Ramnath Kovind panel which observed a 1.5 percentage points higher real national growth and a 1.1 percentage point larger fall in inflation during simultaneous elections.

The Minister emphasized that holding simultaneous elections would ensure a level playing field for all parties, including regional parties, by allowing them to focus on both national and regional concerns. He also believes that the move would address voter apathy, effectively combating voter fatigue.

The Union Government has decided to move forward with the implementation of simultaneous elections, following the recommendations of the Ramnath Kovind committee, which also suggested amendments to Article 325 of the Indian Constitution to facilitate a common electoral roll and voter ID card for all elections.

The Cabinet has also decided to form a committee to oversee the implementation of simultaneous elections and has encouraged a nationwide discussion on the matter. The decision, Reddy believes, is a significant step towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

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